"We're going to talk to Brendan (Shanahan) and obviously see what happens," Keith said following practice Friday. "Let the NHL make a decision. I respect all the decisions they make. We'll see from talking to them."

Keith didn't want to get into specifics about the incident, which came a few minutes after Sedin checked Keith into the boards with a high hit during the intense game between the Western Conference rivals.

"Everything happens fast," Keith said. "Obviously, it's a heated rivalry that has a lot of attention in the games. There are things that happen. There are lots of things over the past that have happened with our teams that have gotten a lot of media attention."

Keith originally was scheduled to hold the hearing over the phone, which would make the suspension fewer than five games. However, the NHL reportedly changed its mind and asked for an in-person hearing in New York. Keith has reportedly waved that right and was to hold the hearing over the phone anyway. The length of a possible suspension could now by six games or more, but there is no indication of the exact length.

One factor helping Keith is that he is not a repeat offender, something Shanahan, the NHL's disciplinarian, said factors into the decision.

"I feel like I'm a pretty stand-up player out on the ice," Keith said. "We'll see what happens. I respect (Shanahan's) decisions and his job and the NHL's job."

There have been reports that Sedin will be sidelined two weeks with a concussion following the hit. The Hawks have seven games remaining in the regular season.